Hardee’s still planned for former Juice and Junk site

Progress is continuing on the Hardee’s fast food restaurant at the former Juice and Junk site. While no ground has been broken, Newton Director of Finance and Development Bryan Friedman said the developer, 4 G Properties, is moving forward with the project.

Newton City Council approved a proposal from the Colorado developer in June to purchase the approximately 1.2 acres for $100,000 with plans to open the new eatery.

The land proposed for Hardee’s is in the northeast portion of the property, visible from Highway 14 in the Interstate 80 corridor.

In total, the investment from 4 G Properties would be more than $1 million. The company has plans for an upscale-style restaurant along with accompanying signage and landscaping.

“The new style Hardee’s restaurant are high quality buildings with considerable stone work on the exterior,” Friedman said.

The city is hoping the new restaurant will kick start the redevelopment of the site, which totals approximately 10.5
acres.

“There would still allow for access and a visible development site to the west of it plus some residual land further west,” Friedman said.

The city purchased the former Juice and Junk building and property at 1205 W. 19th St. S. for $550,000 at its March 7 meeting. Funds for the purchase came from the Commercial Dangerous and Dilapidated program founded during the 2015 bond.

The former gas station/convenience store building has been mostly vacant for more than 10 years. In its current state, the building and property presents a poor image at the Interstate 80 exit 164, which serves as a primary entrance to the city.

“It’s exciting. It will be a nice addition in that corridor,” councilman Craig Trotter said.

Demolition of the buildings on the property is completed with water lines and additional utilities removed from the area.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com